In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview - (Page 9)

EvER SINCE lAST AuGuST, when Beyoncé Knowles slipped open her sequined tuxedo jacket during the 2011 MTv video Music Awards to reveal a well-developed baby bump, the world went on pregnancy patrol. The 16-time Grammy winner and her husband, rapper and record producer Jay-Z, are R&B royalty, so it’s no surprise that tabloids and websites around the globe were reporting the first-time mother’s every step. She: Worked Nonstop In the first months of her pregnancy, Beyoncé appeared at a slew of redcarpet events and concerts. “I have been pregnant through every event I’ve done, from the Billboard Awards to Glastonbury,” she told Harper’s Bazaar magazine. We: Stay Active but Rest “It is important to stay active during pregnancy and many women can maintain a healthy exercise routine. Studies have shown that women who stay in good shape throughout pregnancy tend to have a better birth experience and recover quicker after delivery,” Dr. Starck says. “Also, they are less likely to experience postpartum depression.” In the meantime, aim for eight hours of sleep a night. She: had a Pregnancy Plan “I always said I’d have a baby at 30,” Beyoncé said last June in an interview on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight, and she’s right on schedule: She turned 30 this past September, and her daughter, Blue Ivy, was born in early January. We: Plan for Preconception health “It is important to plan for pregnancy by seeing your healthcare provider to ensure you are in the best physical health possible at least two to three months before trying to get pregnant,” Dr. Starck says. “Proper nutrition and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes are clearly important in conception and in the health of your baby even before you know you’re pregnant!” Taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid can help prevent certain birth defects. Most moms-to-be will never have to endure that level of scrutiny, but many may have marveled at how well Beyoncé weathered her pregnancé. Can we learn something from her? We asked Rebecca N. Starck, MD, chair of Regional Ob/Gyn, Cleveland Clinic, for her advice. She: Kept Cravings Under Control Although tabloids had reported that she had cravings for everything from ketchup to ice cream, the star told ABC’s Katie Couric that wasn’t true. “I’ve been really conscious, and I’ve been trying my best not to lose control because I’ve met so many people that say, ‘My second baby, my third baby, I learned my lesson.’ So I haven’t been going crazy.” We: Indulge but Keep Nutrition in Mind “Many individuals crave certain foods during pregnancy, and an occasional treat is fine,” Dr. Starck says. “Women tend to crave carbohydrates especially, but it is important to balance that with protein in order to maintain a stable blood sugar throughout the day. Pregnancy requires an additional 200–300 calories daily with a recommended total weight gain of 25–35 pounds in women of ideal weight. It is not necessary to eat for two people.” Overall, what’s important is a healthy, balanced style of eating, with an appropriate amount of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. She: Runs the World … in heels “I still rock my stilettos,” says Beyoncé, who was photographed in midNovember stepping out in 5-inch platform heels. We: Lower the expectations “As pregnancy progresses, the center of gravity is shifted forward and pregnant women are more prone to losing their balance and risk falling,” Dr. Starck says. “Additionally, the hormone relaxin is secreted in the third trimester, which makes ligaments more prone to straining. Many women experience low back pain as a result of the shift in weight during pregnancy, which is worsened by those fancy stilettos. For all of these reasons, high heels should be traded for more comfortable yet stylish flats!” PRePARe foR yoUR NeW ARRIvAL! We offer classes to help you and your partner understand the birthing process and how to care for a newborn. Call the Fairview/Lakewood Childbirth Education Office today at 440.356.0347. Delivery By SAM MITTELSTEADT IN GooD heALTh I9

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview

In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview
Contents
Give birth your way-midwives are ready to help
Could you have an irregular heartbeat?
Truck driver steers his heath back on track
Doing it her way
Don't fall for these eight myths about back problems

In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview